I hope your school year is starting off very well. This message will give you an overview of the plan for the FIRST Tech Challenge season in North Texas including the structure, a few dates, and some future year plans as well.

As most of you know, US FIRST is moving the FTC competition structure from the previous format of qualifier competitions only to a format of league play. We had hoped to start large-scale implementation of leagues this season. However, there is a state-level effort in Texas that is expected to have a big impact on teams and participation in FTC starting this year and this effort has changed our planning regarding league implementation.

Therefore, for the 2015-2016 FTC season we in North Texas we will be using a blended format of both qualifiers and leagues. As the default, we will be continuing to implement FTC with first level qualifier tournaments that will have space for all teams to compete in. The Southwest Regional Championship at UT Arlington is scheduled for February 20, 2016. The qualifier tournaments are expected to be held in December and January. Dates and details will be given as they become available. Teams that compete in qualifiers will advance from a qualifier tournament to the Southwest Regional Championship.

FIRST in Texas is a foundation that channels grant funding from organizations to FIRST teams in Texas. The grants can often be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The application process is quite simple — it’s an online form. Teams in all FIRST programs (FRC, FTC, FLL, and JrFLL) should apply.

Apply by September 15 to be included in the first round of evaluations.